Autographed jerseys up for auction

Grand Rapids routinely refers to itself as Hockeytown West due to its furtive support for the Detroit Red Wings.

Now, fans have a chance to put their money where their mouth is. So to speak.

Twenty-three autographed, game-issued Red Wings jerseys will be available for public bidding through auctions that start at the Grand Rapids Griffins' Web site.

Bidding, which begins at $250 per jersey, will establish the starting point for silent auctions that will be held on the Van Andel Arena concourse during home games. The highest bids from those silent auctions then will be the starting point for live auctions held after the games.

While the process may be slightly complicated, it is for a worthy cause. Proceeds will benefit the Griffins Youth Foundation, which serves hundreds of underprivileged and at-risk children in a number of different programs.